Saturday, 9 December 2017.
Dear Readers,
The story will continue tomorrow – at least that’s the plan. But tonight, I just want to stop by to honor my cousin Helen.
Beautiful, always fun, always smiling, full of joye de vivre, life and love.
Helen was my close friend since childhood. She came from South America to visit us many times in Finland, last time a year ago. And this July, I was privileged to see her at her home – already battling against her rare, agressive cancer.
She bravely fought all year – with lots of pain, faith, hope, and lots of desire to survive. And the full loving presence of her mom, my godmother, as well as other close family.
Just a few days ago, she sent me and my sister “I love you, cousin” messages, like she always did, on a weekly basis. It was mutual interaction, of course.
That was who she was. Loving. Happy. And always daring.
She passed away yesterday night, in the presence of her most beloved ones, at the age of 34.
Today, hundreds of people are posting smiley pictures of her hugging them, on her FB page. She had hundreds of friends.
Helen, you will be greatly missed! You shone your light and your example will live on with us!
And to you, my reader friends, I’ll just say this:
Life is fleeting!
Let us live to love and smile and extend our helping hand.
What do you want people to say about you at your funeral? Whose face do you desire to see last by your deathbed? What legacy do you want to leave behind?
This afternoon, I went to Mr. Ex and Ms. Newbie’s home to have a Xmas meal with them and their baby, our teens, our James Bond and my daughter’s super boyfriend. Mr. Ex had cooked with devotion and everything was delicious. Ms. Newbie was really sweet and I’m happy she gets to enjoy motherhood.
You see, our daughter Kristiina asked for this meal as a Xmas gift, because she loves us all and wants to experience that she has lost none of us – and we can still celebrate important occasions together. It’s important to her, so it’s equally important to us. And life is to be shared…
After that, I’ve been alone at my flat, as Joey is at a party. He called me twice, though, and wanted to talk about Helen, who he loved very much, as well. Tonight, I’ve enjoyed a meditative, sentimental mood, full of memories of her – celebrating her wonderful life to the music of B.J. Thomas.
Full of heartfelt sentiments.
I’m here alone, but I’m OK. In fact, some friends have texted and are doing it right now, too.
I just want to ask you, my reader, wherever you are:
If you’re not alone in the house, go seek out your family member or your friend now. Tell them you love them! Give them a wonderful embrace. NOW! You never know how long you’ll have them. How long you’ll be around. Don’t be sparing with your love. Be brave!
I just wish I could hug certain people tonight. I wish I could rest within the perfect embrace. James Bond will have to do. 🙂
We were made to hug. Don’t be too busy to do what’s important first and what’s urgent in second place.
Glad my parents are coming to Helsinki this week and I’ll go and see my 94 yo Mummo, as well. Glad I’ll spend time with my son tomorrow! Glad I saw Kristiina and her bf today. Glad Mr. Ex is doing OK. Grateful that my beloved sister Sarah lives nearby – and her precious family.
Let’s pray for many blessings over my godparents and surviving cousins!
My love and happy wishes to all of you too, fellow human amigos. Take care! Xx
The Chronicles of a Happy Divorcée 